Aamulehti (Tampere, 134 000) writes in its editorial that
according to an interview of the European Ombudsman Jacob Soderman,
published in newspaper Demari, Mr Soderman thinks that it is
time to settle the dispute about the regulation on public access
to documents with the Commission. The proposed regulation contains
too many exceptions and gives the EU officials possibilities
to retard decisions concerning publicity. Mr Soderman stated,
in his pointed way, that in the worst case any document could
be declared secret. Aamulehti continues that when interpreted
mercifully, Mr Romano Prodi himself might not have understood
all the details of the proposed regulation. If he did and still
tries to push the regulation forward, the worse for his reputation
and authority. Mr Soderman would like the European Parliament
to make the next move by pushing forward real and effective reform
of openness. The European Parliament has always worked for openness,
but also there the South European traditions are strongly represented.
It is clear that the proposed regulation should not be accepted
as such. It is important because of the credibility of the EU.
The attitudes of the citizens towards the Union should be made
more positive. Mr Soderman knows that. Most of the complaints
he receives concern the lack of transparency, Aamulehti concludes.